Skillet is a Christian rock/hard rock band from Memphis, Tennessee, formed in 1996. The band is comprised of John Cooper (lead vocalist, bassist), Korey Cooper (guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist), Ben Kasica (guitarist), and Jen Ledger (drummer). Skillet has released seven studio albums, and has received Grammy nominations for two of these, Collide and Comatose (2006).[1] Over the past 12 years, Skillet has spanned many different genres, including alternative rock, industrial, and hard rock.
Skillet formed as a band in 1996 with two members: John Cooper, a bassist and vocalist from a band called Seraph, and Ken Steorts, a guitarist playing in a band called Urgent Cry. Befriending through touring together, they released a split EP with both bands contributing four songs each. Soon after, Urgent Cry and Seraph disbanded, and John and Ken's pastor encouraged them to start their own band.[1] Coming from different styles of rock music, the two decided to name the band Skillet, since it was like "throwing it all in a Skillet, and see what you come up with".[citation needed]. Soon after, Trey McClurkin joined the band as a temporary drummer. Skillet had only been together for one month before they received interest from the major Christian record label ForeFront Records.[citation needed] In late 1996, they released a self-titled debut, Skillet. The album did well and the trio continued to write new material as they toured the United States.
"Panheads" is a nickname given to fans of Skillet, since they are named after a pan. On the 2007-2008 WinterJam Tour, Skillet was quoted saying, "So you're probably wondering where the name comes from. We were named after a frying pan. No, no...here's the real story...we...were...named...after a frying pan." Former guitarist Ken Steorts once said "there are three levels in 'Skillethood': those who don't know, those who become 'Skilletfanz' through hearing our music, and then 'Panheads' - those who come to three or four shows traveling up to 10 hours, bringing skillets, banners, writing on their cars, and so forth. Of course, we love them all, but we have a special place in our hearts for 'Panheads'."[8]